A documentary titled “Greenland’s White Gold” has stirred intense reactions in both Greenland and Denmark. Featuring a 55-minute film, it explores Denmark’s decades-long exploitation of a cryolite mine in southern Greenland and the significant revenue generated, making headlines in February. While Greenlanders expressed anger, sadness, and recognition of the long-held but unconfirmed stories of the mine’s impact on the now-abandoned town of Ivittuut, the response in Denmark was sharply contrasting. The documentary induced a “worst shit storm” as Denmark’s media criticized the film’s portrayal of the mine’s economic benefits. The dispute centered on whether the 400 billion Danish kroner figure highlighted in the film represented Denmark’s gross income versus profit. A new discovery about an inaccurate graph contributed to the decision by DR, the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, to withdraw and “depublish” the documentary despite its initial refusal. Critics argue this moved to protect DR’s brand rather than to suppress the content, which was seen as part of an important public debate. The controversy highlights the differing narratives between Greenland and Denmark on historical and economic matters.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/13/greenland-documentary-forces-danes-to-confront-their-colonial-heritage